Playdate with the Comer's

On Monday, the kids and I headed over to the Comer's house for a much needed playdate. Matt and Jenny are sweet friends, and we love to hang out with them when we can. I am glad we were able to visit with our friends!The sandbox was a fun destination during the visit.

I think our kids are very photogenic, as evidenced by the picture above. Grace is about 4 months older than Autumn.

Smile!!

Miss Autumn enjoyed the day as well

Christmas Day

Christmas Day was at our house this year. Both Mason and Autumn got Christmas pajamas to wear-Masons PJs had snowman skiing on candy canes and Autumns PJs said I heart Santa on the front with stars all over. Super cute! After breakfast, we opened gifts. Mommy made the mistake of letting Mason open his stocking first which was filled with the matchbox cars. Mason was so excited about the cars he didn't want to open anything else. Mommy had to help and coax him along. Along with his cars (he got several sets) Mason also got some new books, puzzles and DVDs.
Then Autumn had her turn. She of course was more interested in the wrapping paper and pulling up on the boxes, but she liked to help pull the paper off. Autumn got a couple of new toys that make noise/play music and a new little riding toy.

Mason in his Christmas PJs
Autumn in her Christmas PJs


Later that morning, my parents and sister came over. They came loaded down with gifts for the kids. Lets just say the kids got lots of goodies.

Autumn playing in her new ball house with Aunt Julie

Mason playing with his new train track

Autumn and Grandma Melva


Roberts mom also came over and the kids experienced round 3 of present opening. Everyone gave great stuff, we feel so fortunate to have all this love!

Mason and Grandma Sherry playing

After presents, Robert and I finished making lunch. My mom brought over a turkey and Robert made a ham-yummy! We all sat down for lunch and afterwards the kids went back to playing and we all just hung out. Mason was so excited to play with his new toy cars and train that he didn't want to nap and he played all afternoon. It took us forever to get him to bed. Robert said he woke up about 2am and heard Mason playing. Mason didn't even want to sleep! That is how much he liked his new stuff. Silly kid!

We all had a great Christmas and were happy our family could come over.

Grandma, Grandpa and Mason

Grandpa Rick and Autumn

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas in East Texas 2010

We recently went to east Texas to celebrate Christmas with some of Robert's family. We started in Tyler on Saturday (Dec 18) at Victor and Margie's house for the annual Christmas party. Tyler is where Robert's mom grew up and where she has family. The drive up there was not too bad. The kids were good and we made just one stop in Waco-at the yummy Rudy's BBQ. After lunch we made great time at got to Tyler about 1:30pm. We ended up hanging out at the hotel for a little while just relaxing from the drive and then we headed over to Victor and Margie's. Mason was so good. He spent the whole night playing with cars he found, one car in particular he would not let go of. It was an old school firebird which still had doors that would open. He even convinced Victor he could take it home with him-thanks Uncle Victor!
Autumn was a different story. I don't know if it was the amount of people or just the drive, but she wanted nothing to do with anyone but her mommy. Autumn and I got lots of cuddle time, that's for sure :)

The next morning, we took our time getting ready and left about noon to head over to Lufkin. Lufkin is about 90 miles from Tyler and we decided since we were already going to be up there that we would visit both places. To get to Lufkin from our house is at least 4 hours, so you can see why we made this choice. Lufkin is where Robert's dad and some of his family lives.
We got to Lufkin and were able to check into the hotel early. After a quick stop for a late lunch, we headed over to Eileen's and John's houses. Eileen and John live in two houses on the same lot. Eileen is John's sister and John is Robert's dad. John lives in the one bedroom house with his mom Lottie, who everyone calls Mam-Maw. Robert's sister Leslie and her husband Balaji also came to Lufkin (they live in the Dallas area). For the most part, we all hung out at the house and opened presents. Mason got Robert's old wooded truck, and enjoyed playing with it at the house. About 7pm the kids were done so we went back to the hotel for a little rest.

Mam-Maw, Mason and Grandpa


Mam-Maw and Autumn


Great-Aunt Eileen and Autumn


Autumn and Grandpa


The next morning, we went back over the the house and picked up grandpa and headed to the city park. Best idea ever! Mason got a good hour of playtime before we met everyone for lunch and was really good at the restaurant. Cousin Suzy joined us for lunch. There is a big age difference with John and his older sisters, so even though Suzy is a cousin she feels more like an aunt! After lunch we headed out for the long drive home.

Cousin Suzy and Autumn

Cousin Suzy with Robert, Mason and Autumn

Buda Trail of Lights

A couple of weeks ago (Dec 16) we ventured out to the Buda trail of lights. It was at the city park which we had never been to and wanted to check out anyway. We had a great time! We used the free shuttle the city was offering and Mason got to ride a school bus for the first time. He was a little nervous at first but after the first time he kept asking to ride the bus.

Mason riding the bus

The trail was longer than we expected and had several cool things to do. One stop you could wear reindeer antlers and they would paint your nose red. Mason passed on the paint but he did let me put the antlers on. As you can see he was super thrilled...

Really Mom?!?

Farther down the trail there was a Santa. Mason wanted nothing to do with the guy when we did our family pictures but he did sit on him lap this time. I still got a Santa picture-yeah!

Again, really?

Mason is obsessed with trucks, cars, trains, etc. So, when we came across this truck in lights Mason had to get close. Mommy took it as an opportunity for a picture with daddy.

Look over here, Mason!

Even miss Autumn bundled up and enjoyed the lights.

Peek a boo!

At the end of the trail was a big bonfire. There were men cutting up trees to add to the fire. Two things Mason loved about this-a loud saw and a big fire! He would of watched them forever if we didn't need to move on to downtown.

Super cool!

After the trail we took the bus to downtown Buda. As we went on a Thursday, downtown was a little boring. But, Robert heard there were horse and carriage rides and we went trying to find them. We lucked out and did find the carriage rides and because it was a Thursday it was not crowded at all. We were able to take a ride through downtown Buda and the neighborhood. By this time, Mason and Autumn were exhausted. After the ride, we made it back to the bus stop and made our way home. I think Mason had a fun time looking at all the lights and I know I enjoyed spending time with my gang. I think we will be trying this again next year-overall it was really fun!

In front of the horse and carriage

Merry Christmas!

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope you enjoyed your day!
(Mason is still up enjoying his "visit" from Santa aka the grandparents!)

Love The Sullivans

Autumn's Surgery

As many know, Autumn was the recipient of tubes in her ears. She had an ear infection that lasted over 2 months, and four rounds of antibiotics were not helping. So, the ENT said she would recommend tubes. Autumn's surgery was Dec 17. We had to be there at 7am for the 8:30am procedure. Therefore, we left our house at 5:45am to avoid Austin traffic as we had to go to Bailey Square. We were there by 6:20am. Autumn had fallen back asleep in the car so we stayed in the car until 7am. Once inside, check in was very quick. I was expecting a long wait at the check in but we were checked in and processed within 15 minutes. The nurse brought us back to the waiting area/recovery rooms. Its like you see in ICU, the rooms are all in a square with the nursing station in the middle. This is where we had our 1 hour wait before the procedure, which everyone warned me about. Autumn did great during the wait. About 10 minutes into the wait we had our first chat with one of the nurses, who thought Autumn was a doll. She was flagging down other nurses to check her out. As her mom I of course think shes a cutie, but the nurses were giving her extra attention and I think she was eating it up! After the chats and Autumn's check up, we waiting again until right before Autumns surgery. That's when the operating nurse, anesthesiologist and my ENT (Dr Zapata) came by to explain what would happen. We confirmed the paperwork and Autumn was carried away by the nurse. All my friends had told me this is a short procedure, and all were right. Fifteen minutes later Dr Zapata came back and said Autumn did great and was in recovery. Basically they were waiting for her to wake up and then they observe for a bit to make sure she is breathing ok on her own. Approximately 10-15 minutes later they brought Autumn back. She was a little groggy and they said she would be, but overall she was her normal self. We had to hang out for another 30 minutes to make sure she was ok, and then we left. I think we left about 9:20am. Autumn slept for the next 2 hours, just like everyone said she would, and that afternoon we were playing like nothing happened. I am happy to report I did not cry and was ok! (I was a mess when Mason had his oral frenulum cut....)

I wish I could say she is sleeping through the night now, but we are not there yet. She still wakes up but its been easy to get her back down (knock on wood!) I think this was the best decision right now, I am keeping my fingers crossed it works and we don't get more ear infections.

Autumn before her surgery-she was just chilling!

Family Picture Session

Here are all the pictures from our Christmas photo session. Autumn did well with Santa, but Mason was not so interested in the guy. Oh well, there is always next year :)

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Autumn and Santa

Mason was not really interested in posing that day-he was more interested in the water fountain!

My sweet baby girl

As you can see, Santa was more interesting to look at then the camera.

Dinosaur Park

Yesterday Robert had to work and it was such a nice day, I decided to take the kids to a local dinosaur park. Its a locally owned mini-park that's like an outdoor museum. We pulled up and there is hardly anyone there, I almost changed my mind about going in but I decided we can at least try it once. We go in and the gentlemen was very friendly and helped me get our double jogging stroller through the door. He gives us some information and the scavenger hunt and off we go! The first thing you see when you get out the building is the playground/picnic area. On the side is this large T-rex head! Once we got a photo we started down the path.
Basically, the park is a trail that has life size replicas of different dinosaurs. Mixed in is a scavenger hunt where you have to find things like dinosaur fossils and animals that lived with the dinosaurs. As you walk through you come across each dinosaur and it will have a sign telling you about the dinosaur. It took us about 40 minutes to walk through, but we did go slow and stop for each dinosaur. Mason was a little afraid of some of the bigger dinosaurs, but overall he did really good. I was very proud of him.



The 6 foot tall T-Rex head. Mason was a little nervous but he did stand next to it for a photo op :)


Even Autumn posed in front of this dinosaur for mommy :)



It was a neat little place and I would take the kids back there again. If you need a fun place here for the kids, its definitely worth one try :)

Santa's Ranch and Stuff

This past weekend, we ventured out and went to Santa's Ranch. It's one of those drive through light paths. My original plan was to go to Sights n Sounds-but I forgot the stroller so that was nixed :)
Mason really enjoyed looking at all the lights, and it was a nice little path. Definately a one time a year thing though.

Outside Santa's Ranch

Robert had heard there was a trail in downtown Kyle so we thought we would check it out. We didn't find one, so we stopped at the Christmas tree instead and took a few photos. Mason was more interested in getting behind the gates to get to the tree and playing on the stairs, so we didn't stay very long.

It was a fun night to be with my family!

Prunes!

Autumn is zipping her way through all the foods, and recently we tried prunes. I figured she would not like them but I was wrong :)


We are almost done with the fruits and then I will be more comfortable giving her more stuff to eat. She is sure ready for it!

Family Pictures

I just love Carly. She is the photographer of Cherry Blossom Photography and really takes great pics. Our family pics are back from the session and I just ordered my christmas cards! I am very excited to get them and send them out!!
Here's a little peek of my cuties!

I'm Thankful for...

* My beautiful, healthy kids. They continue to amaze me everyday and remind me to just have fun and laugh.

*My husband. He is my partner in all this and I enjoy having him here to help me in the adventure called parenting.

*My network of friends. Their constant support and advice keeps me sane and reminds me I'm not the only one experiencing it.

*My job. To be able to work from home and see my kids during the day is such a blessing.

*My family. Both new and old, and how I can call them up to help if I need that little break.

*My home. To have a roof over your head, food on the table, and clothes to wear when so many do not.

*My health. I am thankful everyday I am healthy and continue to pray it stays that way. I want more than anything to be around for my kids.

Happy Thanks giving to all this season and I hope you remember what you are thankful for!!

I'm flying!

So yesterday we met Carly, who owns Cherry Blossom Photography, for a family photo session for this Christmas season. Session went great, so on our way back to the car Robert and I decided to let Mason try this jumpy thing. I thought Mason would freak out, but he LOVED it! My son freaked out about Santa, but loved this thing...go figure.

On the way home Mason got his lollypop as promised if he was a good boy. Good thing we were in Roberts truck and not my car...hehehe :)

I promise to share pics from our session as soon as I can!

Is It Christmas Yet??

I needed some "Christmas" poses for a project I am working on, and this is some of what I got...

Happy Anniversary to us!!

Today, Robert and I have been married for 4 years. So much has happened in these 4 short years. We have had our ups and downs, but I thank God he brought me Robert. I would be very lost without him. Happy anniversary, honey!! Here's a look of our 4 years....

Our wedding!

One year married, and before kids.

Two years married, and one small infant boy.

Three years married, a one year old and another on the way!

Four years married and two kids. Our family is complete!